Thursday, September 26, 2013

Interview Skills Workshop, Melbourne - September 2013

Earlier this month students and jobseekers looking to begin or further their careers gathered in Melbourne to hear Hugh Rundle, Tanya Bramley and Genevieve Ward share their valuable first-hand knowledge of the interviewing process, and what makes for successful job candidates in the highly competitive information management sector.

From Boroondara Library Service in Melbourne, Information Management and Kew Librarian Hugh Rundle outlined key points to remember when preparing for job interviews. While framed in a public libraries context, many of Hugh's keen observations and recommendations are just as relevant in other workplace settings.

Manager of the Swanston Library at RMIT University, Tanya Bramley detailed some of the qualities interview panels look for in prospective employees, particularly those seeking employment in the fast-paced academic library sector. She also highlighted the importance of research in interview preparation.

Genevieve Ward, career coach and director of The Good Life Careers consultancy, explained the various types of employment screening that jobseekers can expect to face, and how they can perform at their best in every situation. Genevieve drew on her years of experience in human resource management and recruitment to give some great tips on communication skills that get winning results.  

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Resume and Key Selection Criteria Workshop, Melbourne - August 2013

Last Wednesday night, information management students and graduates from around Melbourne gathered at RMIT University's Swanston Library to hear from leaders across libraries, archives and records agencies. The audience heard more about these dynamic environments and found out how to prepare resumes and selection criteria statements that will help them gain employment in their chosen sector.
Katherine Gallen from RMIT University Archives used industry case studies and her own career experiences to give students and jobseekers valuable tips on how to secure their first information management role.

Hugh Rundle from Boroondara Library Service outlined some of the career opportunities for students and jobseekers in the public library sector today. He also helped demystify position description statements, and gave advice on how to write responses to key selection criteria that get results.

Kim Tairi from Swinburne University of Technology Library gave valuable insights into current directions for academic libraries, and discussed the important role creativity has to play in their future. She also took a 'plain English' approach to what it takes to impress a selection panel when writing to key selection criteria.

Library Folk in the Pub, Melbourne, September 3

It's time for another ALIA New Graduates get together! All library lovers and their friends are most welcome to join us for drinks and dinner. And as always we'd love to see students as well.

When: Tuesday, September 3, 2013, 7:00pm

Where: Vapiano. Flinders Lane, corner of Fulham Place between Elizabeth and Queen Streets. (map)

The table has been booked under 'ALIA'.

Cost: at own expense.

 Feel free to invite anyone you think might be interested.

Please RSVP on Facebook, or email to patrick.splawa.neyman (at) gmail (dot) com by midday Monday 2nd September so we can confirm numbers, but feel to drop in on the night!

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Interview skills workshop, Melbourne, 18 Sep


So your job application caught the eye of a future employer and you’ve secured an interview. Great! What now? How do you convince the interview panel that you’re the best person for the job? What do you need to prepare, and why?

Find out the answers to these questions and more at the ALIA New Graduates Group interview skills event. The experienced presenters for the night are:
  • Genevieve Ward (The Good Life Careers) 
  • Tanya Bramley (RMIT library) 
  • Hugh Rundle (Boroondara library) 
Not only will you gain insights from established professionals from a range of backgrounds: you’ll also gain a certificate of participation, points in the ALIA PD Scheme, and a chance to chat to other library folk.
  • When:  Wednesday 18th September 2013, 5:45pm for a 6pm start, finishing at approximately 7:30pm
  • Where:  Seminar Room 1, RMIT University Swanston Library, Building 8, Level 5, 360 Swanston Street, Melbourne. (Map)
  • Cost: $3 for ALIA members and students. $5 for non-ALIA members.
  • RSVP: Please email patrick.splawa.neyman@gmail.com by 13th September (places are limited).
    Please let us know if you are a student, and if you’re an ALIA member, include your membership number in your reply.
Hope to see you there!

Victorian ALIA New Graduates Group Committee (Pat, Jenny, Susannah, and Nyss)

Image: Flickr / alexfrance (CC_BY_SA)

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Resume and key selection criteria workshop, Melbourne, 14 Aug


If you’re a library and information student or new graduate wanting some insight into how to put together a great application, this event is for you! Professional librarians wanting to brush up on the process are also most welcome.

Our experienced panel will provide you with their unique perspectives on these important documents, which could make you stand out from the crowd next time you apply for a job.

  • Hugh Rundle (Boroondara library)
  • Kim Tairi (Swinburne University of Technology library)
  • Katherine Gallen (RMIT archives)

Not only will you gain insights from established professionals from a range of backgrounds: you’ll also gain a certificate of participation, points in the ALIA PD Scheme, and a chance to chat to other library folk.
  • When:  Wednesday 14th August 2013, 5:45pm for a 6pm start, finishing at approximately 7:30pm
  • Where:  Seminar Room 1, RMIT University Swanston Library, Building 8, Level 5, 360 Swanston Street, Melbourne. (Map)
  • Cost: $3 for ALIA members and students. $5 for non-ALIA members.
  • RSVP: Unfortunately this event is full - please email the below address if you'd like to RSVP in case a place opens up
    nyssa.parkes [at] gmail.com by Wednesday 7th August.
    Please let us know if you are a student, and if you’re an ALIA member, include your membership number in your reply.
Hope to see you there!

Victorian ALIA New Graduates Group Committee (Pat, Jenny, Susannah, and Nyss)

Save the date:  On 18th September we will also host a seminar on interview techniques. Same time, same place …
Image: Flickr / e_walk (CC BY-NC-SA)  

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

QLD Resume Reviews

Perhaps you’ve just graduated? Looking for your first library job? Due to take the next step in your career? Or new to the profession? Time to get out that resume...... and take this fabulous opportunity for advice and feedback on your resume from an experienced library and information professional.


The coordinators for the ALIA New Graduates Group Queensland are keen to help set you on the right track. Our Resume Reviews event is back!


Where: Brisbane - State Library Cafe, Southbank.
When: Saturday, 3rd August from 9am.
Cost: ALIA members - $5.00, non-ALIA members $7.00


Here’s what you do: -
  1. Submit your RSVP with your location preference and resume to us via email (newgradsqld.alia@gmail.com) by Saturday, 27 July 2013 (your resume will be treated with the strictest confidence).
  2. Receive your appointment time.
  3. Meet with your reviewer at your appointed time and receive valuable feedback and advice!
  4. Apply feedback and have more confidence in your resume.
Appointments will run for approximately 20 minutes each.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us - newgradsqld.alia@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

CSU Visit Wednesday 3rd July

The Victorian contingent of the ALIA New Grads group recently hosted a dinner with some students and faculty members of Charles Sturt University.

The dinner was a success and provided a good opportunity for networking and assistance with study ideas.

Stay tuned for some upcoming Victorian events- Key Selection Criteria and Interview Skills evenings in August and September.